Skip to Primary Content

Bismarck Animal Clinic and Hospital

Pet Health Insurance

Cat sitting on owners lap while owner is on laptop

The day is finally here when you get to bring home your new pet. You have done all the research as far as what food to feed, which bed is the best, what treats to give, etc. You have even surprised yourself with how much time you spent looking for the perfect name. There is one thing that most new owners will forget or not even think about and that is pet health insurance. Anyone working in the veterinary field knows this is one of the most important things to consider for your new pet.

The cost of a pet adds up quickly when buying food, treats, a bed, toys, kennel/carrier, and all the other necessities. But the health care of a pet is another expense to keep in mind. In the first 4-6 months your pet will have 3 to 4 routine vet visits and vaccinations. Then there is the cost of spay/neuter and preventatives. However, the biggest expense comes from emergencies. Emergency visits often cost a minimum of $500 to $700 and if emergency surgery or hospitalization is needed the cost can get up to $2,000-$3,000. This is where pet health insurance comes into play.

There are many different pet health insurance companies, a quick internet search will reveal these options. Pet health insurance works somewhat similar in pets as it does in humans. As an owner you will pay a monthly fee for the insurance and the fee correlates with the amount of coverage you choose. A major difference between pet health insurance and human health insurance is that with pet health insurance you pay the veterinary clinic up front and the insurance company will reimburse you after submitting a claim.

When looking into getting health insurance for your pet there are a few things to consider. What breed your pet is and the potential breed-specific related health conditions they are prone to. You also want to take into consideration your pet’s lifestyle and other risk factors. There are different levels of coverage. Most companies will offer wellness plans, accident plans, illness plans, and then maybe a combination of these. If you are unsure of which level of coverage to purchase for your pet, your veterinarian is a good place to start. Veterinarians and Licensed Veterinary Technicians are well versed in the breed-specific related health conditions. Along with this information and the lifestyle you plan for your pet you should be able to select the right coverage.

There are many things that go into caring for a pet. One of the most important things is taking care of your pet’s health. Pet health insurance could save you from having to make difficult decisions when your beloved pet has fallen or ill or is having an emergency health issue.

Look forward to seeing you and your pet soon!

-Dr. Anderson

The handout below was made by our office manager for our clients to review when trying to choose a pet insurance company, it is helpful and gives the names of some companies to research! 

PET INSURANCE Handout by AD